Evil returns to Pelenor. The Court of Shadows will reign. The revolution has begun.
Dimitri raised Saradon willingly; but now he realises that time, hate, and the darkest of magics have twisted a revolutionary into an evil that seeks dominion over all. Dimitri is bound to Saradon’s cause, no matter the abhorrent acts Saradon already commits.The dwarven realm of Valtivar shall be the first to fall … dwarven realm of Valtivar shall be the first to fall to the feral scourge of goblins, followed by the crumbling kingdom of Pelenor, unless Dimitri can somehow twist his orders to avert the death of both nations before it is too late.
Harper is thrust into the middle of the conflict when her dwarven companion Ragnar is taken by the goblin horde. But, the hands of fate play a melody she cannot begin to dream of. In the dwarven halls, she discovers her destiny, and her identity at the hands of a goddess-like prophetess. It could not be farther from what she imagines.
The truth will pit all against her, for Harper holds great darkness within her, but in her hands is the only chance for success – and it is nigh on impossible.
Now, Harper finds herself in a race to not only save her friend, but the future of Valtivar and Pelenor.
Will Harper and Dimitri be able to work together to defeat Saradon?
Return to the Chronicles of Pelenor to enjoy this fast-paced epic fantasy filled with intrigue and shades-of-grey characters who struggle to survive in an ever-changing game of mortal danger.
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Be careful of what you say and who you say it to
The characters continue to grow and change in book 2. Harper is wonderful. She is someone you can relate to right from the beginning. She has a lot to learn still and is stubborn. She has a heart of gold and wants to save everyone even if it means giving up her own freedom. Her small group of 5 help and support each other. The team consists of an elf, a dwarf, a nomad human, an aerial (a man with wings) and Harper a half-human, half-elf. War is breaking out and the individual races need to learn to work together like this team does if they are to defeat their foe. The storyline flows well with a lot of twists and turns. This book is full of action and has amazing world-building. I look forward to the next book in the series.
The narrator continues to do a great job in the reading of the book. He has an interesting voice. Each character sounds different. Aedan sounds Irish.
Court of Shadows continues the intrigue, drama, and just plain epic-ness begun in Heart of Dragons and takes everything many steps deeper into this complex and fascinating world. I was so ready to dive right in having just finished book 1, and was delighted to find Meg Cowley’s storytelling as compellingly read-able as before!
I loved watching the various threads of plot weaving together, particularly watching how Harper becomes more and more the center on which everything else turns. It’s a wonderful story of good vs. evil, with that same sense of “classic” quality that I enjoyed in book 1, but told in a fresh and invigorating voice that is a perfect fit for modern audiences.
This book is “Amazing” ! The author has created fantastic and complex characters in a fast moving story. The chapters flew by and is full of emotion, intrigue and action. Frequent conflict with a thrilling plot keeps the story moving with unpredictable twists and turns. I loved the charismatic characters, emotional turmoil, battles, intrigue and friendship. This book has everything. I couldn’t get enough. A breathtaking adventure you don’t want to miss…
Meg’s second book in her Chronicles of Pelenor series, continues the adventures of Harper and her friends as they fight the initial outcome of Saradon’s rise to power.
Watching Saradon’s alliance with the goblins (which fantasy readers know is never a good idea), Dimitri is torn between his ideals of transforming the affluent, selfish court and his concern for the people, and the growing realization that he has just unleashed a nightmare upon his country. He continues to negotiate with the royal kingsguard, as the royal family grows weaker, although it’s hard to tell if he is only following orders or somehow trying to undermine them.
Harper continues to develop her magical abilities, as well as the growing bond between her and Aedon. About midway through the book she discovers something so impossible and fantastical, something as shocking as when Darth Vader tells Luke, “I am your father.” A few new characters join the cast. Landry, in charge of the town’s guilds, refuses to be bought, but knows that biding his time rather than making a decision is the safest route. Ragnar is kidnapped and we finally get to meet some of his dwarf kin. And Harper ultimately makes an unwitting choice that could alter the dynamics of power.
The continuation of this saga begins to cast doubt on many of things we thought we knew in book one, but to be fair, the characters are also learning new things about themselves and others. Meg is an incredible storyteller, and I was drawn even deeper into to the world of Pelenor. The twist at the end sets up the next book to be unexpected and lead all of the characters on even greater adventures. Will they all survive? Guess we’ll just have to keep reading.
Great series…can’t wait for the next book.
A fantastic read. That gripped from the first page, this is a real page turner that had me on the edge of my seat. The Author has done a fantastic job at the world building and bringing out the Characters. The Narrator does a fantastic job as well. This is a definite must read.
Shauna Joesten
Court of Shadows: A Sword & Sorcery Epic Fantasy (Chronicles of Pelenor, Book 2), my sixth read from author Meg Cowley. Picking up seamlessly from where book 1 left off, wonderful characters, detailed settings. Very good read! Narrator Jack Voraces continues narrating Meg Cowley’s work & his talented narration & captivating accent added greatly to the book’s enjoyment. I was given an Audible copy of this book & am voluntarily reviewing it. I look forward to Order of Valxiron: Chronicles of Pelenor, Book 3, the next book in the series. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 – July 24, 2018).
Court of Shadow is Book 2 in the Chronicles of Pelenor series. I thought Heart of Dragons was an amazing book but this surpasses it. The world building is awesome and the characters are so real. I have become involved with them and as I read I am there with them experiencing their trials and tribulations. I am anxiously looking forward to the next book to see where Meg Cowley is going to take us on this exciting adventure. This is an action packed, fast paced adventure that I highly recommend and know you will enjoy it as much as I do. Received an ARC and this is my voluntary and honest review.
Epic Adventure!
Enter a world in turmoil, where Harper and her friends will battle goblins and get caught in a war against evil. Prophecies are revealed. An amazing story of good vs evil with a lot of gray areas. Looking forward to the next book.